WHAT IS MOLECULAR & MATERIALS ENGINEERING?

In the field of materials chemistry, this specialization explores, e.g.: functional organic molecules and assemblies, polymers with defined molecular and mesoscopic structures, inorganic materials ranging from membranes, nanocomposites and thin films and organometallic materials.

Current research themes in inorganic materials range from the synthesis of nanocomposites, two-dimensional materials and nanostructured materials. These materials are useful in various application areas such as photovoltaics and (photo)catalysis. Furthermore, nanoporous systems and thin films heterostructures of nanocrystalline materials for membranes, (micro)electronic and sensing applications are explored.

Research in organic materials (polymers) is dominated by nanoscale projects geared toward the controlled fabrication of complex polymeric architectures and their use in functional molecular systems (i.e. devices such as molecular motors, sensors and actuators). Other projects explore the potential of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers in tissue engineering.

Another area of research involves the use of polymeric nanoparticles with customized surfaces as carriers for targeted drug or gene delivery.

RIGHT FOR YOU?

This specialization will be of interest to Bachelor’s students who want to deepen their knowledge of the field of materials science.

This Master's programme gives me the opportunity to understand materials on a molecular basis.Mariël Elshof